A retired Long Beach police detective and United States Army veteran won $44.3 million from the August drawing of the Powerball Jackpot, according to the California Lottery.
Jerry Heath, who earned a business degree from Cal State Long Beach, bought the winning ticket at the Ralphs grocery store on Golden Lantern in Dana Point.
“I’m a very fortunate human being,” Heath told the California Lottery.
Heath served six years in the army before becoming a detective for LBPD, retiring in 1986 after over 24 years with the department.
The Orange County resident told ABC7 he opted for the lump-sum option of nearly $17 million, using the money to pay off his home, make some home improvements and invest.
He also plans to share his winnings with his daughter and grandchildren, Heath told the California Lottery.
“I can’t forget where I came from now that I’m a multimillionaire,” Heath said. “I don’t really travel; playing the lottery is my only luxury.”
Heath said he bought a lottery ticket every day prior to winning the Powerball.
Heath’s odds of winning were 1 in 292,201,338, according to the lottery.